Boron nitride-palladium nanostructured catalyst: efficient reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives in water

Abstract Boron nitride (BN) supported palladium (Pd) nanostructured catalyst, as an alternative support for heterogeneous reduction of nitrobenzene derivatives, was prepared by a mild reduction of a Pd precursor in water. The structural characteristics and distribution of the synthesized Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on BN support were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods. The potential and efficiency of the BN supported Pd NPs as an active and stable nanostructured catalyst were verified in the reduction of nitroaromatics. Excellent yields of the corresponding aryl amines in water were obtained and due discussion were included about the catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst. It was also indicated that the nanostructured catalyst can be recycled at least for six consecutive cycles in the reduction of nitrobenzene, without losing significant activity.